I had decided not to run the 800m: Shobha

<div class="section1"><div class="Normal">HYDERABAD: Fear, if channelised in a proper manner, can be a great motivator indeed. Heptathlete J J Shobha proved that during the Athens Olympic Games.<br /><br />The city-based athlete tore her ligament during the javelin throw and it looked as if her Olympic dreams were over. <br /><br />Shobha, herself, knew that competing in the final event -- the 800 metres -- was a foolhardy effort as she could aggravate her injury.<br /><br />But to everyone''s shock and awe, the gritty Shobha not only turned up for the event but also finished a creditable third to push her tally to 6,172 and an overall 11 position.<br /><br />How did Shobha find the courage to run the race even though she was in agony? Let''s hear it from the brave heart''s mouth."I had decided not to run the 800 metres as the pain was unbearable and the possibility of aggravating the injury was very real. But when I looked at the overall points tally I realised that if I did not run the 800 metres then I could end up at the bottom of the table. This changed my mind," Shobha told <span style="" font-style:="" italic="">The Times of India</span> over telephone from New Delhi.<br /><br /></div> </div><div class="section2"><div class="Normal"><br /><br />"The fear of utter failure gripped me as I knew if I finished last it would hurt my pride and prick my conscience. Hence I decided to run come what may. I said to myself, ''whatever happens I am not going to be beaten by 33 other athletes''," the SCR employee said.<br /><br />But Shobha has had to pay a price for that courageous decision. She will be out of action for at least a month. However, she has no regrets. "I gave the Olympics my best shot. Injuries come and go. I have to undergo a MRI scan today to know the extent of the injury. I should be able to start training in a month."<br /><br />Talking about her experience as a first-time Olympian, the Hubli-born girl said competing with the best has given her confidence a tremendous boost. However, she feels that unless Indians get more international exposure they will not be able to excel at the Olympics.<br /><br />Shobha has now set her sights on the 2006 Doha Asian Games. "I will compete in the heptathlon. I am also eying the long jump and the 200 metres," she said before signing off.</div> </div>